Family Help assessments

Please note some of the documents within this page are CSCP branded; they are currently being reviewed.

The assessment process

Identify unmet need

An unmet need is identified that cannot be addressed by a single agency.

Check for existing Early Help assessment (EHA)

determine whether an Early Help Assessment is already in place
if an EHA exists, an Early Help Officer will provide the name of the current co-ordinator, who will be informed about initiating the Team Around the Family (TAF) process

No existing EHA

If no EHA is in place, discuss the need for one with the child, young person, and parents to request consent

Consent given

begin the Early Help Assessment process with the child, young person, and their parents/carers.
the initiating agency should complete as much of the assessment as is appropriate and submit it using the Online EHA Registration Form

Initiate the TAF process

establish the TAF process, involving all relevant agencies and the family
ensure all agencies present complete the relevant sections of the Early Help Assessment

Review and monitor progress

continue TAF reviews, updating the plan as needed and tracking progress toward the child’s well-being and success goals
if progress is slow or stagnates, consider a referral to the Early Help and Family Support Panel - find further information about the panel and the referral process.

Closure of the EHA

close the Early Help Assessment once all needs are met or if there are other valid reasons for closure
follow the ‘Step Up’ procedure if necessary
all closures must be completed using the Online Early Help Closure Form.

If at any time from initiating the agency or during TAF review the coordinator changes, the current coordinator completes the Online Early Help Change of Coordinator Form.

If an EHA closes but at a later date additional unmet needs are identified, either update original assessment or begin a new assessment and register the assessment.

An Early Help assessment is a voluntary process and therefore parents - and children where appropriate - should be fully engaged in the process. Consent must be given.

To find out if there's an assessment registered to the family already, you can contact the Family Help team.

Find contact details for individual members of the Family Help team (PDF , 110KB)

Alternatively, you can send an email to: family.help.waf@cumbria.gov.uk

Early Help assessment forms - Westmorland and Furness

Feedback from families in Westmorland and Furness

At the last Team Around the Family meeting, when it is agreed the Early Help Assessment can be closed, please ask family members to complete the feedback form accessed from this QR code (new QR code to be developed)

Westmorland and Furness Early Help assessment and review process

There have been some minor amendments to the Early Help Assessment and Review Process in Westmorland and Furness.

View the updated Early Help Assessment and Review Process (PDF 55KB)